Rubén Leonardo Pineda Méndez became a GOJoven Fellow at age 25 and works as accountant and office manager for the Puerto Barrios office of Association Gente Nueva, a national non-profit organization focused on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. As a junior high school student Rubén participated in a Red Cross project focused on family planning and HIV prevention, replicating what he learned in schools throughout Izabal. Rubén is currently the treasurer of the Izabal Network to Prevent STIs and HIV, which works closely with the Izabal Health Department. A strong advocate for the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, Ruben hopes to continue in this field and to develop an ornamental fish business to help provide for their economic self-sufficiency.
Asociación Gente Nueva, Puerto Barrios
